Union Budget 2026, FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Parliament on Sunday, February 1. The Budget speech began around 11 AM, during which the FM outlined key economic figures and the government’s development plans for the coming fiscal year.
One of the notable announcements focused on strengthening compliance support for small businesses through the creation of a new professional cadre known as ‘Corporate Mitras’. The Finance Minister also proposed to support mineral-rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to establish critical mineral facilities.
“We will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, also in Araku Valley in Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. Turtle trails along key nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala will be developed…,” she said in her ninth budget speech. Meanwhile, she also proposes to set up ‘Khelo India Mission’ to transform the Sports sector.
Budget 2026: NSE, BSE open for Trading on Sunday
Normally, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) remain closed on weekends, including Sundays, with markets operating Monday through Friday. However, this year, since the Union Budget 2026 speech is scheduled on a Sunday, regulators and exchanges have decided to keep the markets open for trading.
Budget 2026 Live Streaming Platforms
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 speech can be watched live on News24 starting from 11:00 AM. You can also watch the speech live from 11 am onwards on Sansad TV, DD News, and the official website of indiabudget.gov.in. It will also be streamed on the YouTube channels of Sansad TV and Press Information Bureau (PIB), alongside national news channels’ real-time budget coverage.
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented on Sunday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was praised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a solid step toward achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. In contrast, opposition parties criticised the budget, claiming it ignored pressing public issues such as inflation, unemployment, and concerns raised by various states.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament earlier in the day "failed the test of economic strategy and economic statesmanship."Addressing a press conference here, Chidambaram, a former Finance Minister, said he is not sure if the Finance Minister and the government read the Economic Survey 2025-26 and even if they have, they have decided to discard the challenged and fall back on "their favourite pastime of throwing words at the people".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday slammed the Union Budget 2026-2027, saying it is blind to India's real crisis and refuses course correction.In a post on X, he said manufacturing is falling, investors are pulling out capital and household savings are plummeting. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also alleged that farmers are in distress. "Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks - all ignored. A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India's real crises," he said.
On Union Budget 2026, PM Narendra Modi says, "In the Budget, several measures have been taken to strengthen infrastructure. Dedicated freight corridor, expansion of waterways across the country, high-speed rail corridor, special focus on the development of tier-2 and tier-3 cities and push to municipal bonds to provide a strong economic foundation to cities: all these measures will further increase the speed of Viksit Bharat."
#watch | On #unionbudget, PM Narendra Modi says, "In the Budget, several measures have been taken to strengthen infrastructure. Dedicated freight corridor, expansion of waterways across the country, high-speed rail corridor, special focus on the development of tier-2 and tier-3… pic.twitter.com/kKkQeU1PTO
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
On Union Budget 2026, PM Narendra Modi says, "This is one such unique budget which has a focus on bringing down fiscal deficit, on bringing inflation under control, and with this, the Budget also has the combination of high CapEx and high growth."
#watch | On #unionbudget, PM Narendra Modi says, "This is one such unique budget which has focus on bringing down fiscal deficit, on bringing inflation under control and with this, Budget also has the combination of high CapEx and high growth."(Video: DD) pic.twitter.com/GBxJxs14uC
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails the budget, saying It strengthens the foundation of India's bright future.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails budget, says 'it provides new energy to 'Reform Express' for Vikshit Bharat'
‘Budget of opportunities for India,’ says Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting path-breaking ‘Reform Express’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses nation, hails FM Sitharaman’s reform-driven speech
On being asked about his comments on Union Budget 2026-27, LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says,"I will speak tomorrow, using the platform provided by Parliament."
#watch | On being asked about his comments on Union Budget 2026-27, LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi says," I will speak tomorrow, using the platform provided by Parliament." pic.twitter.com/2DOnjIlF5L
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "We got very few details. There were 3-4 headlines, but we were waiting for the All India Institute of Ayurveda. Where is it? We wanted this in Kerala. We have had a long tradition of Ayurveda. But we didn't hear Kerala's name. We heard the names of fishermen and coconuts - that could be Kerala...But when they spoke of ship repair, they mentioned Varanasi and Patna names but not Kerala's. This is a little surprising. But perhaps there are more details in the budget document. I have yet to read it. There were very few details in the speech, though."
#watch | On #unionbudget, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "We got very few details. There were 3-4 headlines, but we were waiting for the All India Institute of Ayurveda. Where is it? We wanted this in Kerala. We have had a long tradition of Ayurveda. But we didn't hear Kerala's… pic.twitter.com/xyjt5nG83q
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "...I propose a comprehensive review of the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules to create a more contemporary use of framework for foreign investments, consistent with India's evolving economic priorities."
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "To support Indian fishermen to fully harness the economic value of marine resources beyond our territorial waters, the following measures will be taken:
A. Fish catch by an Indian fishing vessel in the exclusive economic zone or on the high seas will be made free of duty
B. Landing of such fish on a foreign port will be treated as export of goods, safeguards will be put in place to prevent misuse during fish catch, transit or transhipment."
Central Govt announces duty relief on 17 essential cancer drugs
In 2026, the budget speech lasted 1 hour and 27 minutes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered her first budget speech in 2019, which ran for 2 hours and 17 minutes. The following year, in 2020, she set a record for the longest budget speech, lasting 2 hours and 42 minutes. Subsequent speeches were shorter: 1 hour 40 minutes in 2021, 1 hour 32 minutes in 2022, and 1 hour 27 minutes in 2023.
In 2024, with Lok Sabha elections approaching, she presented the interim budget in February, which lasted 56 minutes. After winning the elections, she presented the full budget in July 2024, with a speech of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The 2025 budget speech lasted 1 hour and 17 minutes.
Modi Govt to launch coconut promotion scheme to boost cashew and cocoa sectors
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose a scheme for small taxpayers wherein a rule-based automated process will enable obtaining a lower or nil deduction certificate instead of filing an application with the assessing officer. For the ease of taxpayer holding securities in multiple companies, I propose to enable depositories to accept Form 15G or Form 15H from the investor and provide it directly to various relevant companies."
#unionbudget2026 | Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose a scheme for small taxpayers wherein a rule-based automated process will enable obtaining a lower or nil deduction certificate instead of filing an application with the assessing officer. For the ease of taxpayer… pic.twitter.com/GZyriPOtdU
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
FM Sitharaman proposes tax holiday till 2047 for foreign cloud firms using Indian data centres
Modi Govt to set up 'Khelo India Mission' to transform sports sector
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose to extend time available for revising returns from 31st December to up to 31st March with the payment of a nominal fee. I also propose to stagger the timeline for filing of tax returns - individuals with ITR 1 and ITR 2 will continue to file till 31st July and non-audit business cases or trust are proposed to be allowed time till 31st August."
#unionbudget2026 | Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose to extend time available for revising returns from 31st December to up to 31st March with the payment of a nominal fee. I also propose to stagger the timeline for filing of tax returns - individuals with ITR 1 and… pic.twitter.com/KNi6OQ83hB
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
FM Sitharaman proposes cutting the TCS rate under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for education and medical expenses from 5% to 2%.
Taxpayers given extended deadline to revise returns with a nominal fee; ITR-1 and ITR-2 forms can now be filed until July 31.
Union Budget 2026-27: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"...We will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, also in Araku Valley in Eastern Ghats and also Western Ghats. Turtle trails along key nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala will be developed..."
Union Budget 2026-27 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"...We will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, also in Araku Valley in Eastern Ghats and also Western Ghats. Turtle trails along key nesting… pic.twitter.com/kOJgGr5tON
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
I-T Act 2025 to come into effect on 1 April, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Fiscal deficit estimate stands at 4.3% of GDP in FY26-27, in line with Finance Minister's promise.
Union Budget 2026-27 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"... I propose to set up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda; Upgrade Ayush pharmacies and drug testing labs and make available more skilled persons; Upgrade the WHO global Traditional Medicine Centre in… pic.twitter.com/b1PNQ4L1qc
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
The overall investment limit for persons resident outside India (PROIs) has been raised to 24% from the existing 10% in Budget 2026, allowing NRIs to invest more in the Indian stock market.
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose to set up a High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee to recommend measures that focus on the Services Sector as a core driver of Viksit Bharat. This will make us a global leader in services, with a 10% global share by 2047. The Committee will prioritise areas to optimise the potential for growth, employment and exports. They will also assess the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements and propose measures thereof."
#unionbudget2026 | Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I propose to set up a High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee to recommend measures that focus on the Services Sector as a core driver of Viksit Bharat. This will make us a global leader in… pic.twitter.com/0DWJ7IhqOF— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Girls' hostel in every district, National Institute of Hospitality, 5 university townships announced
Union Budget 2026-27 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"... Individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROI) will be allowed to invest in equity instruments of listed Indian companies through the Portfolio Investment Scheme. It is also proposed to increase investment for PROI from 5% to 10%."
Union Budget 2026-27 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"... Individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROI) will be allowed to invest in equity instruments of listed Indian companies through the Portfolio Investment Scheme. It is also proposed to increase… pic.twitter.com/6UbsN36zVe
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2026 speech, laid strong emphasis on boosting inland waterways. Key announcements include:
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "In order to promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems, we will develop 7 high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors: Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Hyderabad to Chennai, Chennai to Bengaluru, Delhi to Varanasi, Varanasi to Siliguri."
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes an outlay of Rs 20,000 crores over the next 5 years in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies to scale up and achieve higher readiness levels in end-use applications across.
#unionbudget2026 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes an outlay of Rs 20,000 crores over the next 5 years in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies to scale up and achieve higher readiness levels in end-use applications across. pic.twitter.com/BuiMXU1P2f
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
The government has announced a ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund to boost small industries in India, along with a ₹2,000-crore Self-Reliant India Fund to support micro-enterprises. Key highlights include:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"...I propose a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research."
Union Budget 2026-27 | Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says,"...I propose a dedicated initiative for high-quality sports goods manufacturing and research." pic.twitter.com/MzZbIRsYcr
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
India's capital expenditure allocation hiked to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for the first time in FY27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech on February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech that India has increased its capex outlay for FY27 to further accelerate the reforms agenda.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposes rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha
Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are in imperent and access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demands on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion. As a growing economy with expanding trade and capital needs, India must also remain deeply integrated with global markets,"
#watch | #unionbudget2026 | Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are in imperent and access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply… pic.twitter.com/oTXN7q3SOR
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
The government plans to launch India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, emphasizing industry-led R&D and dedicated training centers for chip manufacturing, with the total outlay increased to ₹40,000 crore.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed a ₹10,000-crore SME growth fund in her ninth budget speech
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed interventions in three key areas:
1. The Scale-up of manufacturing in strategic sectors
2. Creation of Champion MSMEs in India
3. Development of strategic economic regions
The government proposes to allocate ₹10,000 crore for biopharma sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says in her budget speech.
“The government has undertaken comprehensive reforms for accelerating growth, boosting productivity,” she says. “More than 350 reforms have been rolled out recently. The reform express is well on its way.”
Presenting Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says," To accelerate and sustain economic growth, I propose interventions in six areas -Scaling up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors; Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors; Creating champion MSMEs;… pic.twitter.com/UCMYKvzgcK
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says this three-fold approach requires a supportive ecosystem, which includes sustaining the momentum of structural reforms, maintaining a robust and resilient financial sector, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI applications.
Highlighting that the Union Budget 2026-27 is a unique, Yuva Shakti-driven budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government’s sankalp is to prioritize the poor, underprivileged, and disadvantaged.
To achieve this, the government is guided by three Kartavyas:
Presenting Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says," Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions."
Presenting Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says," Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious… pic.twitter.com/TlKY0uM8GM
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the government has kept Atmanirbharta as a guiding principle, which has contributed to a robust growth rate of 7%. She noted that the current external environment makes trade and multilateralism essential, with disruptions in access to resources and supply chains. “India must remain deeply integrated with the global markets, exporting more and attracting stable long-term investments,” she said.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman opened her budget speech by highlighting the government’s focus on implementing reforms rather than indulging in rhetoric. She said this approach has enabled India to achieve a GDP growth rate of 7.2% despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.
